This post on the language of football explains the meaning of the verb ‘toA flap’, which is a word used in connection with goalkeeping. If you have questions or comments about this or any other phrase then email us at: admin@languagecaster.com.Football Language: (to) Flap
This weeka€™s football phrase is the verb a€˜to flapa€™. This is a verb used to talk about goalkeeping, and specifically about a goalkeeping error. If a goalkeeper flaps at the ball, they weakly try to catch or punch the ball but miss the ball completely or only weakly touch it. Often, if a keeper flaps at the ball, it can result in a goal, as the all is not cleared or caught and can fall to a striker.
Here is an example from the BBC report on Tottenham versus Watford game this weekend:
- Example: ‘a€¦when Hornets goalkeeper Ben Foster flapped at a late cross, Alli controlled the ball with his shoulder before firing into the unguarded net.‘ BBC report (October 2019)
Here, wea€™ve got the classic elements when using this verb. There was a cross a€“ Foster flapped at a late cross – and the flap led to a goal a€“ Alli fired into the net. To flap.
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